Open Space | The Wolf House, Philip Johnson (1949)

Designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson in 1949, the Wolf House is a quintessential example of Modernist architecture, located in Newburgh, New York. Commissioned by Benjamin V. Wolf, the residence embodies Johnson's signature style, featuring an open floor plan and expansive glass walls that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson River.

In recent years, longtime friends Jiminie Ha and Jeremy Parker acquired the property and undertook a meticulous restoration to return it largely to its original condition. They made some updates, including a redesigned kitchen in collaboration with USM Modular, while ensuring the rest of the house retained its historical integrity. To achieve this, they referenced the original floor plans archived at Columbia University's Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library. Their restoration efforts have not only preserved the house but have also elevated it as a testament to Johnson's architectural vision, showcasing it as a true work of art.

Johnson's legacy, however, is partly overshadowed by his early admiration for fascism in the 1930s, which he later described as a naive and misguided youthful mistake. After renouncing these views, he expressed deep regret and refocused on his architectural career. Notably, he collaborated with Jewish clients like the Wolf family, signaling a significant personal and professional transformation.

Today, the restored Wolf House functions as a cultural and artistic hub, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and year-round arts programming. The Wolf House now stands not only as an architectural gem but also as a vibrant venue for community engagement and artistic exploration.